WALL-E Review

Oh. My. Goodness. We took the kids to see WALL-E this week. From the previews I was totally not looking forward to it. But we had some trustworthy friends telling us that it was great and that the previews didn't do it justice. Boy were they right! Waaaaaleeeee, we love you!

WALL-E is about a small robot that was left behind on Earth when the planet was evacuated by all other life forms. He continues to do his job basically as a trash compactor. Completely childlike and innocent in nature, Wall-E is a collector of interesting items and we see him finding and expressing pleasure at even the smallest objects we usually take for granted. He learns what human love is by watching an ancient video of a man and woman singing and dancing with one another (Hello Dolly). Eventually, EVE lands on Earth for a very important task and Wall-e is taken with her. He longs to express his love for her no matter the cost.

The film shows numerous jobs for each robot as we discover that no one's work is without value. Furthermore, one important message is about human contact--hand holding, primarily. At times we witness a universe very similar to The Matrix where humans have lost complete sight of the reality around them. When the humans' computer screens are turned off they are stunned by all they've never noticed before (this is also when they question authority). I personally detected a message from Ecclesiastes on the importance of work for humankind's discovery of meaning. A world without work leaves much to be desired. Hence, the ship captain's most exciting part of the day is getting to do morning announcements. Humans have also become obese and slow. They all drink the same thing, on demand, and don't get out of their chairs to do anything for themselves. They are displayed as being nearly helpless without the aid of their technological world.

Although children completely enjoy this movie, I think it's far more special to adults. There were subtle political nuances, some not-so-subtle environmental concerns, humorous humanity undertones and comparisons to other classic movies we've known and loved. I'm sure I missed something along the way as there was so much to take in. Several scenes were absolutely breathtaking and the well-matched music was enchanting.

I want to say that this movie is for everyone, but I don't know that everyone will "get it" for the most part. Our experience was wonderful. Adults and children alike laughed throughout and Brayla cried at the end asking loudly, "Daddy, what's wrong with him?" However, we were all back to smiles with a very happy ending and left with a 4 year old repeatedly asking when we could see it again or when we could buy it.

Overall, it was so worth it to drag our three very young children to a late movie. It was a beautiful evening as we walked to and from the theater with our jogging strollers. And Brayla was fast asleep before we ever reached home. We hope you enjoy the movie! Be sure to post any comments below if you've seen it. Here's a short clip with information about the making of the movie: